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Solid State Lighting Module, SDTO 15008U (SSLM) - 02.25.15

Science Objectives for EveryoneThe Solid-State Lighting Module (SSLM), SDTO 15008U is a Station Development Test Objective (SDTO) sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to demonstrate the advantages of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting systems within the spacecraft environment.

Science Results for Everyone
Let there be (better) light! Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lights are energy efficient, last longer and have no potentially toxic mercury vapor, important advantages over fluorescent lighting. Data from a prototype installed on the station indicate that LEDs are the same as typical indirect daylight and overhead fluorescent light as far as providing light for visual performance and color discrimination. In addition, LEDs suppress melatonin, which could help to better manage circadian rhythms, hence provide better sleep on the station. This technology will not only help long-duration space exploration, it will improve lighting and help those who suffer sleep disorders on Earth.

The following content was provided by Daniel Shultz, and is maintained in a database by the ISS Program Science Office.

Previous ISS Missions
SSLM is a unique SDTO which has not been performed in microgravity.
^ back to topExperiment Description

Research Overview

The Solid-State Lighting Module (SSLM), SDTO 15008U is a Station Development Test Objective (SDTO) designed to demonstrate the advantages of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting systems for the spacecraft environment.

Description
The Solid-State Lighting Module (SSLM), SDTO 15008U is a Station Development Test Objective (SDTO) sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) designed to replace a General Luminaire Assembly (GLA) unit already in use on the International Space Station (ISS). The SSLM is identical to the GLA in fit and form. The SSLM will temporarily replace a GLA on ISS. The crew will be asked to complete a brief evaluation regarding the quality of the light output and the usefulness of the dimming feature. The SSLM measures 26.5" x 6.6" x 3.9" and has a mass of approximately 7.5 pounds.

Space Applications
SSLM on the ISS will begin the evaluation of LED lighting systems for the next generation of crew exploration vehicles. SSLM will effectively evaluate potential savings of LED technology vs. currently installed systems.

Earth Applications
Analysis of the crew evaluations will be presented to NASA several boards after data return. A final report will be completed and archived for use in design of lighting systems in the next generation of exploration vehicles.

Operational Requirements
The SSLM requires the +120 VDC power supply of the GLA. The continuous and peak power requirement is 30W. The crewmember will transfer the SSLM to a stowage location on ISS. To complete the SSLM on-orbit operations, the crewmember will remove the pre-existing GLA, transfer the GLA to a stowage location, remove the SSLM from its stowage location, transfer the SSLM to the mounting location, and install it. The SSLM installation procedures will be identical to the GLAs to eliminate the need for additional tools or training.

There will be a ten-minute crew evaluation to rate the quality of the SSLM light output, the usefulness of the dimming feature and the ease of installation and removal. The SSLM will be removed from its GLA location following completion of the evaluation.

Operational Protocols
The SSLM requires transfer to the mounting location, installation of the SSLM into the mounting location, and removal of the SSLM from the mounting location upon completion. The evaluation should be completed by a minimum of two crewmembers in one session each. Additional sessions are welcome based on crew availability and time.

The new solid-state lighting technology provides an important opportunity for re-lamping of the ISS with an energy efficient lighting system that has a significantly longer life span and does not contain potentially toxic mercury vapor. A prototype Solid-State Lighting Assembly (SSLA) was developed at Kennedy Space Center and successfully installed on the ISS during Expedition 18. This new lighting system will provide multiple settings that can support astronaut vision and potentially serve as a lighting countermeasure for sleep and circadian disruption aboard the ISS.

Early studies represent a start towards quantifying the broader range of visual, biological and behavioral responses to light once the current fluorescent lighting system is replaced by solid-state lighting. The data reported here begin to address long-duration space exploration, and the rapid development of solid-state lighting that will ultimately revolutionize how our public facilities, work places and homes are illuminated in the coming decades. Similar to some of the astronauts, a significant portion of the global population suffers from chronic sleep loss or circadian-related disorders. By refining multipurpose lights for astronaut safety, health and well-being in spaceflight, the door is opened for new lighting strategies that can be evolved for use on Earth (Brainard et al. 2012).